Rotary selector valve mechanism

ABSTRACT

A rotary selector valve mechanism having a housing defining a generally cylindrical fluid chamber and including a fluid outlet port communicating with the chamber. A circumaxial series of inlet valves mounted on the housing each include an inlet port and a valve element movable between opened and closed positions and biased to closed position to prevent passage of fluid from the inlet port to the chamber. A rotary crank mechanism journalled for coaxial rotation relative to the fluid chamber is adapted for selective angular positioning relative to the valve elements to retain a selected one of the valve elements in its open position whereby a fluid flow path is provided from the inlet port associated with the one inlet valve to and through the chamber to the outlet port. Positioning of the crank mechanism is remotely controlled by a servo mechanism which includes a rotary selector switch.

United States Patent 1 Stevens, Jr.

[ 1 ROTARY SELECTOR VALVE MECHANISM [75] Inventor: Frederick F. Stevens,Jr., Fairfield,

Conn.

[73] Assignee: Hoff-Stevens, Inc., Ansonia, Calif.

[22] Filed: June 25, 1971 I [21] Appl. No.: 156,881

[52] US. Cl 137/627, 137/555, 137/607,

251/131, 251/133, 251/214, 251/257 [51] Int. Cl. F16k 19/00 [58] Fieldof Search 137/555, 607, 627,

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 150,143 9/1920 Great Britain 137/627June 26, 1973 Primary Exqmin er- -Robert G. Nilson Attorney-Roger B.McCormick, Donald K. Huber, Frederick J. l-laesche et al. I

[5 7 ABSTRACT A rotary selector valve mechanism having a housingdefining a generally cylindrical fluid chamber and including a fluidoutlet port communicating with the chamber. A circumaxial series ofinlet valves mounted on the housing each include an inlet port and avalve element movable between opened and closed positions and biased toclosed position to prevent passage of fluid from the inlet port to thechamber. A rotary crank mechanism journalled for coaxial rotationrelative to the fluid chamber is adapted for selective angularpositioning relative to the valve elements to retain a selected one ofthe valve elements in its open position whereby a fluid flow pathis'provided from the inlet port associated with the one inlet valve toand through the chamber to the outlet port. Positioning of the crankmechanism is remotely controlled by a servo mechanism which includes arotary selector switch.

4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENIEDJUNZB I973 IN VEN TOR. FREDERICK ESTEVENS ATTORNEYS ROTARY SELECTOR VALVE MECHANISM BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION This invention relates in general to valve mechanisms anddeals more particularly with an improved rotary selector valve mechanismfor a fluid distribution system or the like. The apparatus of thepresent invention is suitable for use in any fluid distribution systemwhere it is desired to provide fluid connection between one fluidconduit and a selected one of a plurality of other fluid conduits.However, the apparatus of the present invention is more particularlyadapted for use in a pressurized beverage distribution or draft beersystem to facilitate rapid selective connection between a singledispensing faucet or spigot and any one of a plurality of remotelylocated tapped barrels, kegs or the like. The present apparatus offerssubstantial advantages even for use in a low volume beverage dispensingsystem where the contents of a single keg connected to the system maylast for several hours. In a system of the lat-' ter type, some flowvariation is usually encountered at the spigot accompanied by thedischarge of pressure therefrom when the single keg connected to thesystem is nearly empty. Upon receiving this warning signal, thebartender will usually try to replace the nearly spent keg with a newone at the first convenient opportunity to avoid customer inconvenienceand in so doing, may sacrifice any beverage remaining in the keg. In ahighvolume distribution system, this problem may be avoided byconnecting a plurality of kegs in series to each other and to a commondistribution line connected to the dispensing faucet. While such systemsavoid necessity of frequent keg changes, certain disadvantages areencountered. In such systems, for exam ple, pressure variations oftenoccur as the volume of liquid in the system decreases. These pressurevariations are accompanied by changes in flow rate at the dispensingfaucet. Despite these obvious variations in flow rate, it is difficultfor one operating the faucet to ascertain when each of the kegsconnected to the system is empty. Some beverage waste is oftenencountered in the operation of such multi-keg systems when new kegs aretapped to replace others which are not entirely empty. Accordingly, itis the general aim of the present invention to provide an improvedrotary selector valve mechanism for connection to a plurality of tappedkegs in a beverage distribution system which overcomes the aforesaiddisadvantages and which is advantageous for use in both high and lowvolume distribution systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention arotary selector valve mechanism is provided which includes a housingdefining a fluid chamber and including a fluid outlet port communicatingwith the chamber. A circumaxially arranged series of inlet valvesreleasably retained on the housing are readily removable therefrom forcleaning and replacement. A rotary actuating mechanism journalled forrotation relative to the chamber is adapted to be selectively angularlypositioned relative to the inlet valves to operate a selected one of thevalves whereby a fluid flow path is established between an inlet portassociated with the one valve and the outlet port. A single sealingmember received within the chamber provides fluid-tight sealingengagement between the actuating mechanism and the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of arotary selector valve mechanism embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the valve mechanism of FIG. 1, aportion of the casing thereof shown broken away to reveal mechanismtherein.

FIG. 3 is a somewhat enlarged fragmentary front elevational view of thevalve mechanism of FIG. 1 shown partially in section and with the coverof the valve assembly housing removed therefrom.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIG.3. 1

FIG. 5 is a somewhat enlarged sectional view taken along the line 55 ofFIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Turning now to thedrawing, the present invention is illustrated with reference to a rotaryselector valve mechanism indicated generally by the reference numeral l0and particularly adapted for use in a pressurized dispensing system fordraft beer or the like to permit any one of a plurality of tappedbarrels or kegs to be selectively connected to a single dispensingfaucet or spigot without interference between the barrels. The mechanism10 comprises a valve assembly indicated generally at 12 and mounted on aframe 13. The valve assembly has a housing 14 which defines a fluidchamber 16 and includes an outlet port 18 which communicates with thelatter chamber. A plurality of inlet valves 20, 20 associated with thehousing are arranged in a circumaxial series relative to the chamber 16.Each inlet valve 20 includes an inlet port 22 adapted to communicatewith the chamber 12 and the outlet port 18 to provide a path of fluidflow through the valve assembly 12 when a valve element associated withthe inlet valve is in an open position, as will be hereinafter furtherdiscussed. The ports 18 and 22 have been respectively designated asoutlet and inlet ports. It should be understood, however, that this hasbeen done to facilitate description of the apparatus, as theconstruction admits to the flow of fluid in either directiontherethrough. A rotary actuator or crank mechanism indicated generallyat 24 and supported for coaxial rotation relative to the inlet valves20,20 operates the latter valves in sequence and may be selectivelypositioned relative to any one of the inlet valves to retain theselected valve in its open position. A servo mechanism indicatedgenerally at 26 includes means for remotely positioning the crankmechanism 24 to selectively operate the valves 20,20.

Considering now the valve assembly 12 in further detail and referringparticularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing 14 is generally cylindricaland comprises a base 28 and a cover 30. A generally cylindricalforwardly opening recess 32 formed in the base cooperates with the cover30 to define the cylindrical fluid chamber 16. The base 28 also includesa generally radially disposed rear wall 34 and a cylindrical centralportion 36 of reduced diameter which projects rearwardly from the wall34. A cylindrical bore 38 extends coaxially through the rear wall andthe central portion 35. A circumaxial series of radially outwardlyopening recesses 40,40 in the peripheral surface of the base 28 receivethe inlet valves 20, 20. Each recess 40 has a generally cylindricalpassageway 42 of somewhat smaller diameter at its inner end whichcommunicates with the recess 40 and the fluid chamber 16. A generallyradially outwardly facing annular bearing surface 44 surrounds eachopening 42. A rearwardly opening annular recess formed in the cover 30contains an annular seal member 43 which engages the frontal surface ofthe base 28 when the cover 30 is bolted in assembly therewith to providea fluid-tight seal therebetween. The outlet port 18 is defined by a hosefitting 45 threaded into an opening in the cover 30.

The number of inlet valves 20, 20 may vary, however, the illustratedvalve mechanism includes six inlet valves designated by the numerals 1-6which appear on the frame 13 in FIG. 1 and is adapted for connection tosix tapped kegs. Preferably, and as shown, each inlet valve 20 isreleasably retained in assembly with the housing 14 and readilyremovable therefrom for cleaning or replacement. If the valve mechanism10 is to be used with less than six kegs one or more of the inlet valvesmay be removed from the housing and a suitable plug or plugs may besubstituted therefor or, if desired one or more of the inlet ports 22,22 may be plugged as necessary. A typical inlet valve 20 shown invertical section in FIG. 3 includes a tubular valve casing 46 whichdefines a valve chamber 48. The casing 46 has an integral tube fittingat its outer end for coupling engagement with a flexible hose, such asindicated at 50 (FIG. 3) and is threaded at its inner end for connectionwith the housing within an associated recess 40. An annular insert orvalve seat 52 rests on the bearing surface 42 and is retained in therecess 40 by the casing 46, substantially as shown. A valve element 54received within the valve chamber 48 has a generally conical inwardlydiverging seating surface 56 at the inner end thereof for fluid-tightsealing engagement with the valve seat 52. A rounded nose piece 58 atthe inner end of the valve element 54 projects in a radial directioninto the chamber 16 when the valve element 54 is in a closed position orin seating engagement with the valve seat 52. Elongated integral ribs60, 60 formed on the body of the valve 54 guide it for sliding movementin the valve chamber 48. interstices between the body of the valveelement 54, the ribs, 60, 60 and the wall of the chamber 48 providefluid passageways to permit fluid to flow between the inlet port 22 andthe opening 42, which communicates with the chamber 16 when the valveelement 54 is in its open position. A compression spring 62, actingbetween the valve element 54 and the casing 46 biases the valve element54 radially inwardly toward its closed position in which position it isin tight sealing engagement with the valve seat 52. The crank mechanism24 includes a generally cylindrical crankshaft 66 journaled in the bore38. The crankshaft has an annular flange 68 formed on the inner endthereof and an eccentric crankpin which projects from the inner end andhas a roller or cam 72 journaled thereon for rolling engagement with theinner ends 58, 58 of the valve elements 54, 54 which are disposed in thepath of the cam 72. The outer end of the crankshaft 66 is exposedexternally of the housing 14 and is externally threaded. An annular sealor O-ring 74 preferably made from elastomeric material surrounds theinner end of the crankshaft 66 between the wall 34 and the annularflange 68. Another rigid annular member 76 surrounds the O-ring 74between the wall 34 and the flange 68 as shown in FIG. 4. The member 76has a thickness measured in an axial direction which is less than thethickness or cross-sectional diameter of the elastomeric O-ring '74 toprevent application of excessive force to the O-ring which might causeit to be displaced or extruded from its normal sealing position. Abearing nut 78 threaded onto the outer end of the crankshaft 66 bearsagainst a sealing washer and a seal member associated with the centralportion 36 to retain the crankshaft in fluid-tight sealed relation withO-ring 74. A lock nut 80 is threaded onto the outer end of thecrankshaft to lock the bearing nut 78 in a desired position ofadjustment.

Any suitable arrangement may be provided for selectively positioning thecrank mechanism 24 and, if desired, the latter mechanism may be arrangedfor manual positioning, but preferably, and as shown the servo mechanism26 is provided for this purpose to facilitate remote control. As shownthe servo mechanism 26 includes an electrically operated servomotor 82of gear head type mounted on the frame 13 and coupled to the crankshaft66. The servomotor 82 operates in response to signals received from arotary selector switch 84 which has six switching positions respectivelycorresponding to six positions of the crank mechanism 24. The switch 84is electrically connected to the servomotor 82 by a line 86 and may beremotely located with respect thereto. A cam cylinder 88 secured to thelock nut 78 by a set screw as shown in FIG. 4 cooperates withmicroswitches90 and 92 (FIG. 1) associated with an electrical circuit(not shown) to stop the servomotor 82 and to reset the circuit in amanner well known in the art, each time the selector switch 84 is movedto another of its six positions. Referring to FIG. 1, it will be notedthat the selector switch 84 is positioned to operate inlet valve number4 and referring to FIG. 3, it will be noted that inlet valve 4," whichappears at a 7 oclock position, is biased to its open position byengagernent with the cam 72. Thus a fluid flow path is establishedbetween the inlet port 22 associated with inlet valve 4 and the outletport 18. When the selector switch 84 is moved to position 5 the cam 72advances in rolling engagement with nose 58 associated with inlet valve5 and comes to rest thereon to retain the latter inlet valve in its openposition, all of the other i inlet valves being in closed position.

As previously noted the various inlet valves 20, 20 are releasablyretained in assembly with the housing 14 and may be removed therefromfor cleaning or replacement. However, when the valves are functioningproperly it is recommended that the device be cleaned by flushing asuitable cleaning fluid therethrough while the valves are sequentiallyoperated. This procedure eliminates the need for removing the inletvalves and thereby avoids possible risk of damage to properlyfunctioning valves I claim:

1. A rotary selector valve mechanism comprising a housing having a baseand cover releasably secured to said base, said base partially defininga generally cylindrical axially forwardly opening fluid chamber having agenerally radially disposed rear wall, said cover defining the frontwall of said chamber and having a single fluid outlet port openingtherethrough communicating with said chamber, said base having acircumaxial series of radially outwardly opening recesses formed thereineach of said recesses having a radially outwardly facing bearing surfacenear the inner end thereof, a plurality of annular valve seat inserts,each of said inserts received in an associated one of said recesses inseating engagement with the bearing surface thereof, a pluralityof inletvalves equal in number to said recesses, each of said inlet valveshaving a tubular casing defining a generally cylindrical valve chamberand having an integral tube fitting at the outer end thereofcommunicating with valve chambers for coupling engagement with aflexible hose, said casing having the inner end thereof threadablyconnected to said housing in an associated one of said recesses andengaging and retaining an associated one of said inserts, each of saidinlet valves having a valve element received in said valve casingthereof for sliding movement axially of said casing between open andclosed positions, said valve element having a conically inwardlydiverging seating surface at the inner end thereof for sealingengagement with an associated one of said'inserts when said valveelement is in said closed position and a cam surface on the inner endthereof disposed in said fluid chamber when said valve element is insaid closed position, each of said inlet valves having a compressionspring received within the casing thereof and acting between the outerend of said casing and an associated valve element therein for biasingsaid valve element toward its closed position, a cylindrical crankshaftcoaxially journalled in said base and extending outwardly through saidrear wall, said crankshaft having a generally radially disposed annularflange formed on the inner end thereof and an eccentric crankpin whichprojects from saidinner end, a roller cam journalled for rotation onsaid crankpin for sequentially engaging the cam surfaces on each of thevalve elements and for biasing a selected one of said valve elements toand retaining it in said open position when said crankshaft is rotatedto a selected angular position relative to the housing, an annularelastomeric seal member in surrounding engagement with said crankshaftbetween said annular flange and said rear wall, a rigid annular sealmember surrounding said elastomeric seal member between said annularflange and said rear wall, said elastomeric seal member before assemblywith said crankshaft having an axial thickness greater than the axialthickness of said rigid member, a servomotor drivingly connected to saidcrankshaft for rotating said crankshaft, and a rotary selector switchfor controlling the operation of said servomotor.

2. A rotary selector valve mechanism as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid elastomeric seal member comprises an O-ring having a circular crosssection.

3. A rotary selector valve mechanism as set forth in claim 1 whereineach of said valve elements includes a body having a circumaxiallyspaced series of axially elongated integral ribs thereon for slidableengagement with the wall of an associated valve chamber, intersticesbetween said body, said ribs and said associated valve chamber walldefining fluid passageways.

4. A rotary selector valve as set forth in claim 1 including a bearingnut threaded onto the outer end of said crankshaft and bearing againstsaid base for maintaining said elastomeric seal member in fluid-tightsealing engagement with said annular flange and said rear wall.

1. A rotary selector valve mechanism comprising a housing having a baseand cover releasably secured to said base, said base partially defininga generally cylindrical axially forwardly opening fluid chamber having agenerally radially disposed rear wall, said cover defining the frontwall of said chamber and having a single fluid outlet port openingtherethrough communicating with said chamber, said base having acircumaxial series of radially outwardly opening recesses formed thereineach of said recesses having a radially outwardly facing bearing surfacenear the inner end thereof, a plurality of annular valve seat inserts,each of said inserts received in an associated one of said recesses inseating engagement with the bearing surface thereof, a plurality ofinlet valves equal in number to said recesses, each of said inlet valveshaving a tubular casing defining a generally cylindrical valve chamberand having an integral tube fitting at the outer end thereofcommunicating with valve chambers for coupling engagement with aflexible hose, said casing having the inner end thereof threadablyconnected to said housing in an Associated one of said recesses andengaging and retaining an associated one of said inserts, each of saidinlet valves having a valve element received in said valve casingthereof for sliding movement axially of said casing between open andclosed positions, said valve element having a conically inwardlydiverging seating surface at the inner end thereof for sealingengagement with an associated one of said inserts when said valveelement is in said closed position and a cam surface on the inner endthereof disposed in said fluid chamber when said valve element is insaid closed position, each of said inlet valves having a compressionspring received within the casing thereof and acting between the outerend of said casing and an associated valve element therein for biasingsaid valve element toward its closed position, a cylindrical crankshaftcoaxially journalled in said base and extending outwardly through saidrear wall, said crankshaft having a generally radially disposed annularflange formed on the inner end thereof and an eccentric crankpin whichprojects from said inner end, a roller cam journalled for rotation onsaid crankpin for sequentially engaging the cam surfaces on each of thevalve elements and for biasing a selected one of said valve elements toand retaining it in said open position when said crankshaft is rotatedto a selected angular position relative to the housing, an annularelastomeric seal member in surrounding engagement with said crankshaftbetween said annular flange and said rear wall, a rigid annular sealmember surrounding said elastomeric seal member between said annularflange and said rear wall, said elastomeric seal member before assemblywith said crankshaft having an axial thickness greater than the axialthickness of said rigid member, a servomotor drivingly connected to saidcrankshaft for rotating said crankshaft, and a rotary selector switchfor controlling the operation of said servomotor.
 2. A rotary selectorvalve mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein said elastomeric sealmember comprises an O-ring having a circular cross section.
 3. A rotaryselector valve mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of saidvalve elements includes a body having a circumaxially spaced series ofaxially elongated integral ribs thereon for slidable engagement with thewall of an associated valve chamber, interstices between said body, saidribs and said associated valve chamber wall defining fluid passageways.4. A rotary selector valve as set forth in claim 1 including a bearingnut threaded onto the outer end of said crankshaft and bearing againstsaid base for maintaining said elastomeric seal member in fluid-tightsealing engagement with said annular flange and said rear wall.